Ankara fails to observe its obligations on Idlib - Syrian Envoy to UN

Turkey has failed to observe its obligations on stabilizing the situation in Idlib, Syria's Envoy to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari said on Thursday

"We paid our attention to current situation in Idlib and non-observance of the Turkish side of their obligations as of September 17 signed by Russian and Turkish presidents ... The guarantors countries agreed to create de-escalation zones in Idlib. Turkey was a guarantor of ceasefire, but it never happened, it is a non-observance by the Turkish side of the fourth round agreements [in Astana] on creation of de-escalation zones. Turkey does not comply with its obligations taken in Sochi and that is why the violations of terrorist groups in Idlib over the last two months – more than 300 violations of ceasefire regime - have been observed," Jaafari told a press conference after the Astana format talks.

Ankara should withdraw its troops from Syria if it wants to assist the settlement, Jaafari also said.

"We demand turkey to withdraw all its troops if they want to help Syria. First of all the troops which illegally entered the territory should be withdrawn as well as American troops which are present in many areas in the north eastern parts of Syria. They should have been withdrawn. All international organizations should say that starting with the UNSC [UN Security Council]," Jaafari told a press conference after the Astana format talks.

He added that Turkish troops are changing the manes of Syrian villages and even put their own flags.

"That is why we consider it an obvious clear agression. We have a lot of proofs that could testify what I say," Jaafari stressed.